As friends, families and loved ones in Western North Carolina continue to fight through the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Extension has received many comments — from both employees and stakeholders — expressing a desire to help with the flood relief efforts in our mountain communities.

At this stage, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is still encouraging people to avoid travel to our western counties. In the meantime, here are some other ways you can help make a difference for those in need out west:

Donate to Trusted Organizations

Numerous organizations are working to support recovery efforts across Western North Carolina, providing supplies and coordinating volunteers to assist with cleanup, shelter and distributing essentials like food and water. See below for ways you can contribute to these causes:

• Baptists on Mission: Baptists on Mission is responding by setting up feeding units and recovery sites in multiple cities and towns. They need volunteers for a variety of efforts — food / water distribution, chain saw teams, clean-up crews, etc. — and donations can be made to support the work.
• North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: Donations go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of Hurricane Helene victims in the state, such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies. All donations will directly support disaster relief. Learn more about the fund.
• American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is on the ground helping people who have been impacted in Western North Carolina. Visit their site to find a shelter or make a donation. You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text “Helene” to 90999 to request assistance anytime.
• Samaritan’s Purse: The organization is mobilizing staff and equipment and enlisting volunteers to provide emergency aid out west. They often stay behind afterward to rebuild or restore houses for displaced families.
• The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is responding to the disaster by providing emergency aid like food, water, emotional and spiritual care, and critical supplies to survivors and rescue workers. Find active service locations here.

Caution: Beware of Scammers
Natural disasters often present an opportunity for scammers, who try to take advantage of people at their most vulnerable. Donate only to trusted organizations and be wary of unsolicited requests for money or offers of “too good to be true” deals on services like waste removal or cleanup.

Price gouging, or exorbitant increases in the cost of high-demand, often-scarce goods (like food, fuel, water, etc.) in times of crisis, is illegal in North Carolina. Report price gouging here or by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7227).

Stay Up to Date

The situation across WNC remains dangerous in many places and continues to evolve, with the full extent of the devastation and impacts far from fully realized yet. Find resources to help you monitor local developments and determine the most impactful means of contributing:

• Drive NC.gov — provides real-time road closures and traffic info statewide, including estimated road repair times related to Hurricane Helene’s impact
• North Carolina Emergency Management — tracks local responses to the storm impacts
• North Carolina Department of Public Safety — answers storm questions, including how to track the situation in different areas

Many county governments are providing real-time updates on their websites and social media pages. You can find your specific county and its latest updates at North Carolina County Governments.

Likewise, N.C. Cooperative Extension operates centers in all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. See Extension county centers for local updates and resources, which will be added as they are able.

Volunteer (When It’s Safe)

Once road and weather conditions allow, consider volunteering to help with cleanup, repair or supply distribution efforts in flood-impacted areas. Explore opportunities by connecting with local authorities, volunteer groups like United Way of North Carolina and some of the organizations listed above.

Remember to wait for clearance to travel to WNC if you don’t live in the area! While some roads are slowly being reopened, large areas remain restricted or are simply unreachable. An influx of people that are not officially approved to provide assistance can exacerbate existing traffic issues and hamper response efforts.

Support Our Farmers

As flood waters recede, many farmers and agribusinesses will be returning to barren fields and uncertain futures. As critical cogs in our food supply, economic well-being and everyday lives, they will need resources to assist with lengthy repair and rebuild efforts.

As power and internet service is restored, help connect farmers you know with essential resources, including NC State Extension’s N.C. Disaster Information Center and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) disaster resources site.

Donate to WNC Communities, an Asheville-based nonprofit that supports agricultural initiatives and community development across Western North Carolina. Your support can provide immediate relief, helping WNC farmers preserve their livelihoods and continue to serve their communities. Every contribution counts.

A Long Road Ahead

As we learn more about specific needs, NC State Extension will help organize additional opportunities for people to contribute to the storm recovery. Extension leaders are meeting daily with community, industry and government partners to help coordinate efforts to supply aid and services for those in the state who most need it.

NCDA&CS and NC State research stations are already serving as staging areas for relief efforts, such as allocating animal feed and hay, as well as fuel for emergency responder vehicles and equipment in Mills River. The Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs is providing hot meals to emergency responders in the High Country.

Moving forward, we will also highlight the amazing stories of community, strength and perseverance that are sure to emerge as connections are reestablished with residents and responders in our mountain communities. We will see it through — together.

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